Mobile home residents request council’s help

Some Mobile Manor residents fear they can’t afford rate hikes they expect from the mobile home park’s new owners.

When addressing Richmond Common Council on July 6, Ron McFadden, president of the Richmond Mobile Manor Residents Association, advocated the city adopt an ordinance protecting mobile home park residents. At least 16 other residents from the Indiana Avenue park attended the meeting to demonstrate their concerns about the park’s new owner, Florida-based Island Communities.

McFadden said the ordinance includes common-sense protections that prevent predatory practices and keep families housed. It includes standards for roads, lighting and utilities as well as notifications of lot rental increases. He also provided council members a petition urging the ordinance’s adoption signed by 25 residents in the 212-lot Mobile Manor park, where residents say Island Communities is providing little maintenance.

“We are deeply concerned about the rising costs, declining maintenance and lack of basic safeguards,” McFadden said. “A city ordinance would provide stability, safety and peace of mind for hundreds of families who contribute to this community.”

Council President Justin Burkhardt said some concerns fall outside the city’s jurisdiction, and A.J. Sickmann, the city attorney, noted that the state governs rent increases and eviction protocols.

“As time goes on, we’ll learn more, and if there’s anything we can help with, we’ll let you know,” Burkhardt told McFadden.

Council member Jerry Purcell said issues in the mobile home park could increase homelessness within the community.

“Affordable housing is a serious problem in our community, and that is one of the affordable housing choices, which is a prebuilt home,” Purcell said.

Council agreed to have city planning staff investigate what authorities the city has over mobile home parks. On its website, Island Communities also lists Leisure Village at 1210 Q St. in Richmond among its eight Indiana mobile home properties.

Condos zoning

Council voted 5-2 to rezone a 19-acre parcel at 3430 Backmeyer Road from institutional to multifamily residential, enabling development of a 78-unit condominium complex called The Meadows. 

Bill Engle, Anne Taylor, Turner, Purcell and Burkhardt voted in favor, while Lucinda Wright and Larry Parker opposed. Doug Goss and Jane Bumbalough were absent.

Council had delayed action on the zoning ordinance because the proposal included access from Backmeyer Road. Developer Lauck Properties committed to conducting a traffic study and altering the development’s access plan if the study proves it’s warranted.

Gordon Moore of Beals-Moore & Associates asked council to approve the zoning change, saying the developer has stepped up to address council’s concerns.

Finance committee

During council’s finance committee meeting, which precedes the regular meeting, Mayor Ron Oler said the state’s property tax growth quotient for 2027 will be 6%. The state legislature has capped it at 4% in previous years.

With the additional tax levy revenue, Oler said the city is considering how to include a 3% employee pay raise in the 2027 budget. In the 2026 budget, there were no raises for nonunion employees and Oler’s administration cut 21 roles, citing property tax caps.

Oler also said the state is expected to provide additional state highway funds to compensate cities, towns and counties for funding lost when Gov. Mike Braun suspended the state’s gas tax. Oler estimates, based on 2025 numbers, the city lost $385,000 during April and May alone.

The state also is expected to provide a November payment from highway funds, Oler said.

Other issues

• Lucas Gosnell requested transparency throughout the process of council performing governmental business.
• Barry Cramer addressed council about the city developing additional bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
• Council passed a resolution appropriating $29,200 for code enforcement demolitions and $15,000 for maintenance of the railroad spur along Industrial Parkway.
• Three ordinances were assigned to the finance committee. One would allocate $57,400 to hire Planeteria Media to update the city’s website to ensure compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The other two would allocate money for Baker Tilly to conduct efficiency studies for the parks department ($45,000) and Richmond Fire Department ($62,000). The parks money would come from food and beverage tax revenue and the RFD funding from local income tax revenue.
• Council approved Richmond Municipal Airport applying for a $100,000 grant that would fund runway repairs. The airport would provide a $33,000 match.